Tidepool Animals

Science Fiction Comes To Life

Left image
Sea stacks are surrounded by water.
Credit: NPS: M Lockwood

Right image
Tide pools are revealed.
Credit: NPS: M Lockwood

Compare these photos of Endert's Beach to see how lowtide reveals a new world to explore.

 

 

Where to Find Tidepools

Redwood National and State Parks offer several accessible and remarkable tidepool locations. Explore these coastal spots for the best tidepool experiences:

Endert’s Beach

Access the tidepools via the Coastal Trail trailhead located just south of the Crescent Beach Overlook on the south end of Crescent Beach Drive. Hike the trail to the Nickel Creek campground and continue down to the small pocket beach. The tidepool area is just north of this beach.

Damnation Creek

To reach the tidepool area, hike down the Damnation Creek Trail, which is accessed via US Highway 101 approximately 10 miles south of Crescent City. This dramatic, steep trail is 1.5 miles (2 km) long and leads straight to the tidepool area.

False Klamath Cove

Tidepool areas are found on both the north and south ends of the cove, near the Wilson Creek mouth and False Klamath Cove Rock point.

• Wilson Creek: Accessed from US Highway 101. Pull into the parking area just off the highway, located south of the Wilson Creek bridge and approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) north of the Trees of Mystery in the Klamath area.
• False Klamath Cove Rock Point: Park at the Lagoon Creek Picnic Area to access these tidepools. From there, take a short quarter-mile hike on the Coastal Trail to the beach.

Each of these locations provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich marine ecosystems that thrive along the park’s rugged coastline. Enjoy the experience while observing the delicate balance of life in these tidepools.

 

Check the Tides!

Always tidepool at low tides! Low tides offer the best views, and help you stay safe from sneaker waves and other ocean dangers (even at low tide, NEVER turn your back on the ocean).

Low tides happen twice a day and can last several hours. Check today's tides online or ask at a visitor center before you go!

 

The Science of Sea Stars

Sea stars in the Rocky Intertidal Zone have captivated scientists for years, leading to incredible discoveries and ongoing research. These fascinating marine creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of their ecosystems. Learn about their unique biology, the impact of environmental changes on their populations, and the latest efforts to protect and study these iconic species. Discover how sea stars adapt to their environment, what threats they face, and the significance of their presence along the coastlines of Redwood National and State Park.

 

Tidepool Invertebrates – Abundantly Diverse

The rocky tidepools along the shoreline of Redwood National and State Parks offer an incredible display of invertebrate life, with a richness and diversity that can captivate even the most casual observer. This abundance is largely due to the high ocean productivity of the coastal Pacific Northwest. In spring and early summer, upwelling currents bring nutrients from the depths back to the surface. These nutrients act as “fertilizer” for phytoplankton, the small floating plants that form the base of the marine food web. This explosion of phytoplankton supports a thriving ecosystem, making the tidepools teeming with life.

The diversity of invertebrates in these tidepools is shaped by the ever-changing and challenging conditions present in tidal areas. The daily rise and fall of sea levels alternately exposes and submerges these habitats, forcing organisms to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. Large winter and spring waves also pound the shoreline, adding more stress and variation to the habitat, further enhancing species diversity.

Interestingly, the rough seas along the park’s coast have led to notable changes in tidepool species over the past 30 years. A study comparing species from the 1970s to the 2000s revealed a significant shift from short-lived (annual) species to longer-lived (perennial) species. This shift is tied to changes in logging practices. In the 1970s, logs were often floated down rivers, and streamside forests were heavily harvested. Today, fewer logs make their way to the ocean, reducing the frequency of logs crashing onto the shoreline. This decrease has allowed longer-lived species to establish themselves in the tidepools, demonstrating how inland forest management can impact coastal ecosystems.

Some of the more common invertebrates you may encounter in the park’s tidepools include:

• California mussel (Mytilus californianus)
• Purple or ochre sea star (Pisaster ochraceus)
• Aggregating anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima)
• Limpets (Collisella spp.)
• Flat porcelain crab (Petrolisthes cinctipes)
• Black turban snail (Tegula funebralis)
• Periwinkle snail (Littorina scutulata)
• Hermit crabs (Pagurus spp.)
• White sea cucumber (Eupentacta quinquesemata)
• Isopods (Idothea spp.)
• Black leather chiton (Katharina tunicata)
• Purple shore crab (Hemigrapsus nudus)

These tidepools are a dynamic and fascinating part of the park's ecosystem, showcasing how diverse marine life adapts to the constant changes of its environment.

 

Observing the tidepools.

NPS : John Chao

Be Safe - It's an Unforgiving Ocean

Visiting tidepools at Redwood National and State Parks can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to stay safe. Always consult a tide table and plan your visit for just before the lowest tide. For your own safety, never turn your back on the ocean, and avoid areas with active breaking waves, as dangerous sneaker waves can occur year-round along the parks’ coastline. Wear appropriate footwear, and exercise caution when walking on slippery, algae-covered rocks.

If you observe tidepool animals, minimize handling them, and if you do pick one up, be sure to place it back in the exact spot you found it. This helps protect these delicate creatures and their habitats.

Learn more about the curious lives of tide-pool creatures.